Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and Earth.” (NIV) Psalm 121:1-2

If you are a Baby Boomer, then you can recall searching through the Classified section of the newspaper to look for employment. Your resume was mailed to the company and within days it was highly probable that you would receive a phone call and be provided with a date for a face-to-face interview.

Fast forward a couple of decades: Job searches are online and resumes are saved and submitted electronically with the click of a mouse or better yet, sent from your cellular device.

With the upgrades of applicant screening that technology has brought to the job market in the 21st Century, there is the downside of the suspenseful game of waiting and hoping to receive communication from the prospective employer. Due to programmed electronic scanners looking for key words, your resume may never be seen by human eyes. The reality is that although your qualifications match the desired qualifications to the “Help Wanted” posting, your resume has been disregarded as unacceptable because the pre-programmed keywords are missing.

Although technology has been highly promoted for its merits in our present century, another drawback is that it’s performance is limited by its “System Down” status which can occur at any given time due to many variables and leave us in a helpless situation until resolved.

Thankfully God is always available when we send out a distress signal of “Help Wanted!” Prayer is the gateway that connects us to God’s Network. By our heartfelt words, we are immediately connected to God. Every tear, all sadness, sorrow, trials and tribulations touch the heart of Jesus who experienced a much greater ordeal at the end of His 33 years of life on this earth than we can ever comprehend. Our prayers are sent and received 24 hours a day, at any given time without the possibility of a “system down” status.

God’s Network never requires us to use certain keywords; our faith qualifies our righteouness through Jesus Christ; and we are never left helpless because the Divine Network always maintains it’s status as “All System’s Up!”

Challenge for today: Stay connected to God’s Network at all times through prayer.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for always keeping your Divine Network available for us when we send out the distress signal of “Help Wanted.” Please give us the desire to stay connected to you at all times. We love you, we worship you, and we praise your Holy Name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” Psalm 37:7 NIV

How was your day? Did you experience any situation that disturbed your well-organized, and peaceful plans? For most of us, our day did not go as planned, even so, we can still enjoy a peaceful rest this evening.

Mark 4 tells us the story of a raging storm where Jesus and his disciples were on a boat that was being ravaged by tumultuous waves and hurricane-like winds. The disciples who had witnessed many miracles performed by Jesus were so fearful that they allowed their emotions to override their faith in God.

When we endure storms in our lives, do we rely on our emotions, which will never provide peace or increase our faith in God, to bring resolution in the midst of our storm? Even the men who were in close proximity to Jesus were faithless when they felt that their lives were in danger.

How is it possible that we who believe in the Almighty Creator who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and died and rose to return to His Heavenly home, have so little faith?

For each one of us the answer is uniquely personal. I can share my reason for doubting God’s power; it is when I have failed to call on His Holy name. I am not referring to my routine daily worship times with God. I am referring to the times that require solitude with fasting, praying, studying the Bible, and crying out to God.

Like Job, there are situations that God allows to come upon us, so that we can draw nearer and closer to Him. God does love and care for us, He is waiting for us to faithfully give Him all of our earthly storms, and He will rebuke the winds and the waves by saying, “Peace be still.”

“Turn it over to Jesus, Turn it over to Jesus, and you can smile the rest of the day.”

Challenge for today: Draw nearer and closer to God through fasting and praying.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Our faith is not where we need it to be. We lack complete trust in knowing that you are always available to hear and answer our prayers. When our storms are raging, we have allowed our emotions to overpower us, and for this we ask forgiveness. Please give us the desire to have a up close and personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. Matthew 23:26

Have you ever worked with someone who was a “disgruntled employee?” They are easily identified by the constant complaints and their negative feedback to every situation. The reality is that the knowledge we possess and the way we react to our circumstances determines whether or not we can move forward or continue in our present dilemma with a negative mindset.

There are many individuals who strive to obtain pleasing characteristics, yet they continually fail. It is the method they have chosen that prevents them from reaching their goal. Relying on previous knowledge results in stagnation–staying in the same place; therefore personal growth is not possible.

Seeking new knowledge and applying it to your life results in replacing old habits and behaviors, and moving forward in the process of maturing mentally and spiritually.

Would you drink from a cup that was clean on the outside and had specks of dirt on the inside? Yet we desire to change without the spiritual cleansing that is necessary to align our character with God’s requirements.

We often attempt to justify our disobedience by taking advantage of God’s grace and mercy. Our mindset is that we will pursue our own desires because God understands that we will fail or all that is necessary is to continually ask for repentance.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees who focused on the outward appearance as opposed to possessing a clean heart. We are unable to present ourselves to God with a spirit of self-will and disobedience, and expect to produce Fruit.

The first step to obtaining the FRUIT of the SPIRIT is to possess genuine obedience to God: Genuine obedience occurs naturally and spontaneously in the Christian life when we truly love God.

Obedience produces the desire to please God willingly. When we obey His commandments and instructions for our lives, our character and our desires will be transformed and we will possess all that God requires of us.

But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Challenge for today: Identify the desires, habits, behaviors, and actions which prevent you from obeying God.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have been disobedient through self-seeking behaviors. Please forgive us for not loving you as we should. As we continue to seek knowledge from your Word, we ask you to transform our lives as you will have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

“They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” John 10:5

One of the most important aspects of becoming a Christian is recognizing God’s Voice. Can you recall a situation in which you had a strong desire for something, and then when you received it, the results were disastrous? You were probably disappointed and wondered why God allowed the blessing to lead to a negative outcome.

Last year, I applied for a position as Branch Director and during the interview there was a conflict between the two Executive Directors on the methods for achieving the organizational goals. God allowed a “Red Flag” situation to occur because I had previously ignored a warning by “a messenger” on the drawbacks of the position. The individual relayed that the responsibilites involved compromise which would lead to an environment of high pressure and daily stress.

Needless to say, I ignored all warnings, and accepted the position. Within two months of daily tele-conference meetings from both Directors, expecting me to do the impossible, I became discouraged. I began to doubt my qualifications as I evaluated and re-evaluated the strategic plan for the Branch Office. I continued to pray for God’s divine intervention to reach our weekly goals.

Even in my willful disobedience, God was merciful and used one of my employee’s who had longevity with the company and had relocated from another branch office, to explain that this particular office had five individuals to resign as Branch Director within the past year. As the history of the Branch Office unfolded, I recalled God’s answer: “No, my child, this is not the job that I have given to you.”

When I reflected on my previous blessings, I knew that God’s plan is always perfect and ends in Victory. There are no Red Flags, because God can never fail. I resigned from the position, and then God began to reveal His plan for my life.

One year later, God’s mercy was still evident when He allowed me to see the employee who provided me with the grim history, and she relayed that the Branch Office was closing due to ongoing financial failure.

Praying, waiting, and listening with spiritual ears for God’s Voice are required when we are in the Valley of Decision.

The Word of God is our roadmap to guide us, on what we have to do, in order to hear God’s Voice.

As I continue to surrender my will to God, my spiritual ears are becoming fine-tuned to hear “His Still, Small Voice.”

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 NLT

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NLT

Challenge for today: Pray and wait on the Lord.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have not waited to hear your Voice, which leads us according to your will and plan for our lives. We ask you to forgive us for the many times that we have listened to our own voice. Please lead us to victory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

There was also a prophetess, Anna… She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:36-37

If you were asked to rate your prayer life on a scale of 1-10, from poor to excellent, where would your honest answer place your level of communication with God?

In Matthew 17:14-21, the importance of faith, fasting, and prayer is emphasized through the story of the father who brought his demon-possessed son to the Disciples for healing, and to his amazement, Jesus’ Disciples were unable to heal his son. In desperation, the man knelt before Jesus and begged for mercy as he asked for the healing of his son.

The most interesting part of this story is verse 16, “So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” At that point, Jesus exposes the true reason of their inability to heal the boy: “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you?” (v17 NLT)

Streams in the Desert Devotional

There is no doubt that it is by praying that we learn to pray, and that the more we pray, the better our prayers will be. People who pray in spurts are never likely to attain to the kind of prayer described in the Scriptures as “powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

If a person believes he can become powerful in prayer without making a commitment to it, he is living under a great delusion. Remember, we must pray to pray, and continue in prayer so our prayers may continue.

The Disciples who were in daily close proximity with God in human form, remained faithless; inasmuch that their prayers were powerless and ineffective. Is there hope for those of us who are unable to have face-to-face contact with Jesus?

Jesus never left His disciples without explanation and the action that was required on their part to resolve their dilemmas. When they asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demons, He gave them the action required to remedy their faithlessness: By fasting and prayer! (v21)

When we think on the goodness, grace, and mercies that are extended to us on a daily basis, our prayer lives should rate as a 10 (excellent). We are so blessed and highly favored by our Great God!

“Pray without Ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

Challenge for today: Pray for purpose and direction in your life.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have become part of a faithless generation. Please forgive us for the sin of mediocrity-just doing enough to get by. We want to possess unwavering faith, an effectual prayer life, and a closer relationship with you. Help us to take action by studying your Word, increasing our prayer life, and asking for a double portion of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for hearing and answering our humble prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

It is a beautiful life when we serve God!

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” NIV Deuteronomy 31:8

God provides Deliverance!

I can recall in my childhood possessing a very timid and fearful outlook on life. Unfortunately my Mother had been bullied by her older sister and as a result she had many fears which has existed throughout her adult life. Fears that prevented her from pursuing and developing her innate gifts and talents. Fears that were evident during my childhood which led to many insecurities, and caused me to become a follower among my peers.

I can recall that one of my strongest desires was to learn how to swim. Inspite of the many verbalized dangers, with the most prevalent being death by drowning, I persevered and became an accomplished swimmer. Now as an adult who possesses a disability with both knee joints, the only non-weight bearing exercise I can actively participate in, is the sport of swimmimg.

During my childhood, Fear slowed my desire to pursue vital areas of personal growth and development. However, my character begin to change during my teenage years, and I no longer required validation from my peers. In high school, I chose a “College Prep” track which included an internship working in a major department store.

At the age of 40, I relocated to another state to complete the clinical portion of the RN program. I began to view life from a spiritual perspective which led to a strong sense of developing my blessings-my natural gifts and talents.

Although I studied the Word of God and prayed, my decision making skills suffered greatly. The fears that were incorporated into my childhood were constantly resurfacing. It has taken a lifetime for me to develop my spiritual gifts. Even so, through prayer, studying and believing God’s promises that He is always with me, God has enabled me to learn and possess decision making skills which lead to positive outcomes.

In 3 John 1:2, the author relays, “Beloved, I pray you to prosper concerning all things and to be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

When we lack confidence due to past life events, we are inhibited by fear and as a result we are unable to possess good health. Our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health suffers from suppressing our natural inclinations to reach for higher goals.

I encourage you to self-evaluate, and identify your interests and your talents. Find other individuals who can mentor and empower you to develop and grow.

A positive attitude of “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Phil. 4:13) also applies to our innate abilities.

After taking a 25 year hiatus from my love of crocheting, I participated in two projects to make hats for the homeless and underserved children. It was a blessed and fulfilling mission to provide for those in need. In addition, I enjoyed creating items evolving from a skein of yarn made by my own hands.

God loves us, and has blessed each of us with personalized talents. Pray your “fears” away, and enjoy the wonderful attributes that were custom made for you.

I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

Challenge for today: Explore, identify, and develop your interests and talents.

Prayer for today: Dear God, Thank you for making us in your image. Please give us the victory over our fears that have prevented us from developing our gifts. We desire to possess health and happiness according to your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on Earth. Therefore, Go and make disciples of all the nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands, I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

Many years of my Clinical Nursing experience was devoted to the area of Home Health. As I progressed in my tenure, I was offered Nursing Administrative positions which translated into working in the office. The thought of not traveling in a 60-mile geographical area for 8-10 hours per day made me think that I had finally “paid my dues,” and I would be able to focus on the improving the quality of care from my office. Even so, there was an unspoken requirement, not only was I expected to fulfill my duties as an Administrator, I was required to be a backup clinical nurse when needed. Eventually, the responsibilities became so overwhelming that I quickly reached the burnout stage, and readily understood why there was such a high turnover for the position.

As believers, many of us have reached the Burnout Stage in our spiritual lives. We have placed our desires above the duty that God has given to each of us. In fact, we have forgotten about The Great Commission found in the 28th chapter of Matthew which is straightforward in defining our primary role in life.

“Go” is the command from God. There can be no misunderstandings or varied definitions for this word.

“Go” is a verb-which indicates action; it means to move from one place to another; travel; leave; depart.

Simply speaking, it is not enough for us to Attend church services, Study the Word of God, Pray without ceasing, and stay in our comfort zones of self- gratification.

God requires discipleship! Leaving our homes and sharing the great news of Salvation is the #1 priority and purpose for our lives.

There are so many individuals that need to know that God is love and He deeply cares for them.

Sacrificial giving extends beyond the giving of monies, there is a great Cost when fulfilling our role as a Disciple; putting aside our temporal pleasures, leaving our homes, and ministering to others through visitation.

Can you imagine the progress and hastening of Jesus’ Second Coming, if each of us took a 60-mile radius and ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of others?

Challenge for today: Pray for direction, leave your home, and make a face-to-face visit.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We want to do your will. Please forgive us for willful disobedience by not going out and spreading the good news of Salvation. We ask for your guidance as we seek to take a different path in our lives. Being your disciples and making new disciples is what you require of us, and we are ready to do as you command. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Winter Wonderland

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

After many years of shelf life, I finally removed my nursing textbooks and adjunct study materials from my bookshelf and placed them in a box. As I reflected on the time, effort, and study that was required, I realized that I had memorized a massive amount of information that led to obtaining nursing licensure and rendering safe clinical practice to my patients. Although I had accomplished a major goal to become a nurse, the Board of Nursing (BON) had stringent criteria for annual Continuing Education related to the nursing profession. Whether I had the desire or initiative, I was not given a choice in the requirements for retaining the license that was given to me by the BON.

I recently read an article that indicated 87% of American households owned a hardcopy of the Bible. As exciting as this may seem, the percentage plummeted when members of these households were asked, “How often do you read (study) the Bible? The general consensus was although the desire to study the Bible existed, there was just not enough time to study the Word of God.

How many of us easily slip into the category of desire, but never really commit to faithfully studying the Word?

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

We must take the time to self-evaluate and rearrange our priorities. Our spiritual lives require an ongoing connection to the Vine-Jesus Christ. The Bible was given to feed and nourish our relationship with God; spiritual growth requires daily continuing education of God’s Word.

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

As believers, we do not have a choice, God tells us plainly the necessity for studying His Scriptures. We need to know God and what He requires for our lives.

Challenge for today: Make the commitment to study the Word of God everyday.

Prayer for today: Dear God, We have not studied your Word as we should. We need to know your will and your way for our lives. Please forgive us for placing you last in our priorities. We commit to doing what is pleasing to you from this day forward. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz